Cells and Batteries

Chemical cells and batteries convert chemical energy into electrical energy through chemical reactions. This lesson covers how cells work, the difference between cells and batteries, the factors that affect the voltage of a cell, and how these link to the Energy Changes topic in AQA GCSE Chemistry.

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What Is a Chemical Cell?

A chemical cell (also called an electrochemical cell or voltaic cell) is a device that produces a voltage (potential difference) and an electrical current from chemical reactions. The chemicals in the cell react together, and the energy stored in their chemical bonds is converted into electrical energy.

A basic chemical cell contains:

• Two electrodes made from different metals (or one metal and one non-metal such as carbon).
• An electrolyte — a solution or paste that conducts electricity and allows ions to flow between the electrodes.